December 06 – December 14, 2023
Welcome to Bhutan, also known as the Kingdom of Happiness. Bhutan is known as one of the most exotic destinations in the world today. This kingdom often referred to as the last Shangri- La is a land of outstanding people, remarkable scenery and natural wonders, and a proud and vibrant culture. Bhutan has a pristine environment, almost no pollution, and a living culture where festivals and cultural events are a part of daily life and not creations for tourism. Enjoy learning about the culture and awe-inspiring views as you hike through the postcard image landscape each day.
Hotels:
- Terma Linca Resort- Deluxe Room, Thimphu
- Dewachen Hotel & Spa- Deluxe Room, Phobjikha Valley
- Dhensa Boutique Resorts- Deluxe Room, Punakha
- Naksel Boutique- Deluxe Room, Paro
Included:
Meals:
- 10 Breakfasts
- 10 Lunches
- 10 Dinners
Activities:
- Hike to Chagri Dorjeden Monastery
- Visit the Choki Traditional Art School
- Visit the 51 meter high Buddha Point in Thimphu
- Hike through the Dochula Pass
- Hike to the Gangtey Goemba Monastery
- Visit the famous 'Tiger's Nest' Taktsang Palphug Monastery
- Enjoy a scenic hike on the Chele La Pass
- Visit the Temple of Fertility
Other Services:
- One airport transfer privately in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Transportation privately in an air-conditioned vehicle during the tours mentioned on the program
- Official English-Speaking guide service during the mentioned program
- Entrance fees, Road tolls, Taxes, VAT
- Bottled water during transfers
Not Included:
- Tips for porters, guide and driver- the value of the tip is up to the client
- All other services not mentioned as included
- Personal expenses
- International airfare throughout the program
- International airport taxes, airport porter and extra baggage
- Hotel early check-in and late check-out
- Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Travel Visa
Notes:
- International flights should arrive and depart out of Paro International Airport
Day4
Thimphu – Phobjikha Valley
After breakfast we depart for Phobjikha Valley. En route you will stop briefly at Dochula pass to view and admire the chortens and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. It is often cloud covered, but on clear days you will be able to see these spectacular views of the Himalayas.
We will begin our 5-mile hike by following a wide track that gently climbs through subalpine meadows and past a small rural settlement of livestock owners. The track soon becomes a forest path that ascends through an enchanted moss-covered rhododendron forest mixed with hemlock and spruce. We will arrive at a high pass where the magnificent glacial Valley of Gangtey opens up before us. We will zigzag on a path down a grassy slope to the valley and eventually arrive at our pickup point where we will be driven to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Phobjikha Valley- Dewachen Hotel & Spa
Day5
Phobjikha Valley
After a brief drive to the royal family’s temple located at the opposite side of the valley, we will set off for an 8 mile hike up an unexplored side valley, passing through inspiring agricultural land and traditional mountain villages. Our journey will continue along the edge of the main valley, walking parallel to the marshland that serves as an important habitat for the black-necked crane a few months out of the year. A short climb takes us to the ancient Gangtey Goemba, with its ramparts, altars, school, quarters for monks, and meditation facilities.
After lunch and a tour of the monastery, there is the option to continue on foot for 3 miles to the black-necked crane interpretation centre, or to get a lift to the centre which is not far from our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Phobjikha Valley- Dewachen Hotel & Spa
Day6
Phobjikha Valley - Punakha
We will start our morning off with a 20-minute drive before taking a 5 hour hike up through the woods and meadows to a mountain pass following a historic migration route that the Gangteps used to take in order to reach the lower valleys in the fall. From the pass, we continue downhill through a pristine old-growth Rhododendron forest, passing many other species of trees and plants before arriving at Phama Hotel Khelika.
After your hike, we will continue our journey with a drive to Punakha along the eastern side of the river following Trashigang-Simtokha Highway to Khuruthang. Time permitting, we will visit the magnificent 17th century Punakha Dzong, imposingly situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
The Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits due to its temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. During the day you will be enamored with splendid views of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pass on Thimphu Punakha road.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Punakha- Dhensa Boutique Resorts
Day7
Punakha
We start our day with a hearty breakfast before continuing on an hour Jeep ride to our hike, which starts at Punakha Dzong. From here, we will proceed to walk over the suspension bridge to the other side of the Mo Chhu River. *Packed lunch to be carried from the hotel.*
Enjoy this 6 hour walk while taking in expansive views of the valley and river below. We eventually arrive at the top of a ridge and then continue gently downhill through mixed woods until reaching an isolated temple with lovely grounds and a spectacular panorama of the better part of the Punakha district.
After lunch, we will continue to descend on a wide path until arriving near Punakha Dzong. From here, we continue our drive to Sandhingkma brige near Dawakhana that eventually leads to Sewla Sherdra Goempa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Punakha- Dhensa Boutique Resorts
Day8
Punakha - Paro
After breakfast, we depart Punakha for Paro. En route, we will make a stop to visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple and enjoy a 45-minute trek. The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and because of this is also known as “Divine Madman”.
This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that if couples who do not have children and want them pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. Prior to your arrival, you will enjoy a 30-minute walk across a field from the road to the temple.
The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning “field”. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a brief climb to Chimi Lhakhang. After your visit, you will return to the hotel for the rest of your day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Paro- Naksel Boutique
Day9
Paro
After breakfast we will be driven to Chele La Pass.
The Chele La Pass is the highest motor-able pass in Bhutan. At the top of this pass, we will begin our gradual uphill hike from the right side of the road. You will have magnificent views of both Paro and Thimphu valleys from the road. The slope of this hill is also filled with many fluttering flags hoisted for people’s good luck, making your walk along the trail more enchanting, and you will see the Rhododendrons, Primulas, and several other flowers. The scenic hike will leave you feeling overwhelmed with beauty as you see Mount Jumolhari and other Himalayan peaks, including the world’s 3rd highest peak, Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, in the distance. After enjoying these remarkable views, we will embark on a 4 mile walk along an ancient route through a delightful stretch of forest to the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, which was established as a meditation site in the 9th century. From the nunnery it is an easy descent down a drivable track to the main road. From here, we drive to the Paro Rinpung Dzong fortress. Built in the 16th century on the site of a monastery founded by Guru Rinpoche, the fortress is revered for having established Buddhism in Bhutan. After visiting the dzong, we will conclude our day with a visit to Bhutan’s National Museum.
The Chele La Pass is the highest motor-able pass in Bhutan. At the top of this pass, we will begin our gradual uphill hike from the right side of the road. You will have magnificent views of both Paro and Thimphu valleys from the road. The slope of this hill is also filled with many fluttering flags hoisted for people’s good luck, making your walk along the trail more enchanting, and you will see the Rhododendrons, Primulas, and several other flowers. The scenic hike will leave you feeling overwhelmed with beauty as you see Mount Jumolhari and other Himalayan peaks, including the world’s 3rd highest peak, Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, in the distance. After enjoying these remarkable views, we will embark on a 4 mile walk along an ancient route through a delightful stretch of forest to the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, which was established as a meditation site in the 9th century. From the nunnery it is an easy descent down a drivable track to the main road. From here, we drive to the Paro Rinpung Dzong fortress. Built in the 16th century on the site of a monastery founded by Guru Rinpoche, the fortress is revered for having established Buddhism in Bhutan. After visiting the dzong, we will conclude our day with a visit to Bhutan’s National Museum.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Paro- Naksel Boutique
Day10
Paro
We embark on a 2-mile walk following a well-trodden path up to the picturesque Taktsang Monastery, set on a sheer granite cliff at about 1,600 feet above the sea level. Above the Paro Valley is revered as the place where Guru Padma Sambhava, known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, is said to have meditated, having reached the spot on the back of a tiger. After visiting the monastery, you have the option to either return down the same path or ascend above the monastery and continue down a much lesser known scenic forest path.
Once you return to the hotel, the rest of the afternoon will be spent at leisure to explore the town on your own and get some souvenirs before having a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Paro- Naksel Boutique
The activity Level for this tour is:
Demanding - There is a more strenuous hike and some training or frequent exercise is ideal prior to travel. But we will take things slow as a group! However, if this is not accessible for you, you are welcome to opt out of any activity
Have Questions? Email Us
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Accommodation names are subject to availability. Should accommodation mentioned on specific itinerary not be available, a similar or higher rated accommodation will be substituted. Single room allotments are subject to availability and booked on a FCFS basis. Fit4Travel will work with each vendor or supplier to secure as many single rooms as possible to accommodate each traveler.